Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe

Dreamy Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe For Sweet Moments

Sweet caramel coffee buttercream cake promises a dreamy escape from ordinary desserts.

My kitchen often buzzes with experimental flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Smooth, velvety textures blend perfectly with rich coffee undertones that dance across your palate.

Each slice tells a story of decadent indulgence and carefully balanced ingredients.

Layers of moist cake whisper culinary secrets waiting to be savored.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that transforms simple baking into an art form.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new weekend celebration centerpiece.

What You’ll Need for Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Key structural component for cake's texture and stability, choose unbleached for better flavor.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help cake rise and become light and airy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Provide richness and sweetness, use high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor, pure extract recommended.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create tender crumb, creates tender texture.
Coffee and Caramel Components:
  • Instant Coffee Powder, Milk: Adds rich coffee flavor, choose strong instant coffee for intense taste.
  • Caramel Sugar, Heavy Cream, Butter: Key ingredients for creating smooth, rich caramel sauce, use granulated white sugar.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, creamy buttercream texture, sift to remove lumps.

Baking Instructions for Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

Step 1: Create Delectable Cake Layers

  • Fire up the oven to 350F (175C). Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
  • Blend dry ingredients in a medium bowl
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy and light.
  • Introduce eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  • Fold in vanilla extract.
  • Gradually incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between them.
  • Stir in dissolved coffee until fully integrated.
  • Distribute batter evenly between pans, smoothing the surfaces.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 2: Craft Luscious Caramel Sauce

  • Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden amber.
  • Add butter and whisk until silky smooth.
  • Pour heavy cream slowly while continuously stirring.
  • Allow mixture to bubble briefly.
  • Remove from heat and mix in vanilla and salt.
  • Let caramel cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Coffee Buttercream

  • Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly.
  • Incorporate
  • Dissolved coffee
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Blend until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Transform Into a Stunning Cake

  • Position first cake layer on serving plate.
  • Spread coffee buttercream generously.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce lavishly.
  • Place second cake layer on top.
  • Repeat buttercream and caramel sauce layers.
  • Decorate top with additional buttercream.
  • Embellish with caramel drizzle and optional coffee beans or chocolate shavings.

Tips for Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Success

  • Enhance Cake Moisture: Add a splash of strong brewed coffee to the buttermilk for deeper, richer flavor that keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
  • Prevent Caramel Burning: Stir sugar constantly and use a light-colored pan to monitor the caramelization process, ensuring a perfect golden amber color without scorching.
  • Coffee Intensity Trick: Dissolve espresso powder instead of regular coffee for a more concentrated, robust coffee flavor that permeates the entire cake layers and buttercream.
  • Smooth Buttercream Technique: Sift powdered sugar before mixing to eliminate lumps and create an ultra-smooth, silky buttercream with a professional finish.
  • Caramel Drizzle Pro Tip: Let caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling to achieve the perfect consistency that doesn't completely run off the cake's surface.

Storing Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake with Care

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream and enhance flavors.
  • Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until just slightly warm to preserve the cake's moisture and texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

  • Select sweet dessert wines like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that complement the cake's caramel and coffee notes, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Craft a classic espresso martini to mirror the coffee essence in the cake, creating a harmonious beverage pairing that amplifies the cake's rich coffee undertones.
  • Accompany the cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, providing a cool, smooth contrast to the warm caramel and intense coffee flavors.
  • Brew a smooth, aromatic chai latte that offers warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which beautifully balance the sweet and robust cake flavors.

Creative Twists on Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding in the cake layers.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use almond milk instead of buttermilk, and create a coconut cream-based caramel sauce for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in the cake batter, and create a sugar-free caramel sauce using sugar-free sweeteners and almond milk.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and create a caramel sauce using coconut milk and maple syrup for a completely plant-based dessert.

Why Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Stands Out

  • Irresistible Cake Delights
  • Crafting this caramel coffee buttercream cake transforms an ordinary dessert into a professional-level treat without requiring advanced baking skills.
  • The perfect blend of rich coffee, smooth caramel, and creamy buttercream creates a decadent dessert that satisfies multiple taste cravings in one slice.
  • This cake works wonderfully for birthdays, dinner parties, afternoon tea, or as a luxurious weekend indulgence that impresses family and friends effortlessly.
  • Despite its elegant appearance, the recipe uses straightforward techniques and common ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers of moderate cooking experience.
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Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe

Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet layers of Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake promise a delightful journey through rich, velvety flavors. Coffee-infused frosting and caramel notes create an indulgent dessert experience you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Composition Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules, dissolved in ½ cup (120 milliliters) hot water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Coffee Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules, dissolved in 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnish:

  • Caramel drizzle
  • Coffee beans
  • Chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare cake pans by coating with butter and flour, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients, creating a uniform flour mixture that will provide a smooth cake texture.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency that appears almost cloud-like.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, allowing each to fully integrate and create a silky, homogeneous batter.
  5. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a delicate balance and prevent overmixing.
  6. Infuse the batter with dissolved coffee, ensuring an even distribution of rich, aromatic flavor throughout.
  7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing the surface to create level cake layers.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven until a testing skewer emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
  9. Allow cakes to rest in pans briefly before transferring to a cooling rack, preventing moisture loss.
  10. Craft caramel sauce by carefully melting sugar, watching intently to achieve a deep amber hue without burning.
  11. Introduce butter and cream to the caramelized sugar, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
  12. Incorporate vanilla and salt into the caramel, enhancing its complex flavor profile.
  13. Whip butter for buttercream until it reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency.
  14. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, creating a smooth, velvety frosting.
  15. Blend coffee, milk, and additional flavorings into the buttercream, achieving a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
  16. Assemble the cake by layering first cake round, spreading buttercream and caramel sauce generously.
  17. Position second cake layer, repeating the lavish frosting and caramel drizzle.
  18. Embellish the top with artistic swirls of buttercream and a decadent caramel cascade.
  19. Optional: Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and a consistent cake texture.
  • Dissolve instant coffee granules in hot water or a small amount of milk to intensify the coffee flavor without adding extra liquid.
  • Sift the powdered sugar for the buttercream to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth frosting that spreads easily.
  • Allow the caramel sauce to cool completely before adding to the cake to prevent it from melting the buttercream and creating a messy appearance.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 57 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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